Meet Dcn. Namir Narra, a transitional deacon for the Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle (Home parish: Holy Martyrs), who will be ordained a priest later this year.
What was the highlight of your time at Sacred Heart Major Seminary?
The highlight of my time in seminary was growing in intimacy with the Lord. Seminary is a great place to build a solid foundation for a life of prayer and charity. Another highlight was the people that I got to meet at Sacred Heart. Encountering other young men who want to lay their life for the Gospel has been a
tremendous blessing. The friendships that I have built during my time in seminary are something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
What has been one or two highlights of your time serving as a transitional deacon?
The highlight of being a transitional deacon has been the ability to preach at Mass. It’s been an honor to share the Word of God with the parishioners and encourage them to walk in faith. Being a guest speaker at different retreats and parish functions has also been an honor.
How are you preparing for your priestly ordination?
I’ve been preparing for priestly ordination by utilizing all of the tools and resources that the seminary has provided. I’ve been preparing first and foremost by praying and asking the Lord to guide me as I approach the day of ordination. I’ve also been preparing by learning how to celebrate the sacraments.
What kind of priest do you want to be?
I would like to be a priest after Jesus’ heart and to give people authentic Catholic teaching and to tell them about God’s love. I would like to first and foremost model what I preach and live an authentic Christian life, to be a prayerful priest who is always available to his people.
What are you looking forward to after being ordained?
I am most looking forward to celebrating the sacraments, especially Mass and Confession. The highest form of prayer is the Mass and I look forward to leading the congregation in persona Christi and giving them the greatest gift given to humanity, the Eucharist. I am also looking forward to hearing Confessions and reconciling the people of God with our Lord.
Please join us in praying for Deacon Namir Narra during his final months of preparation leading up to his ordination.